Tibetan Carnelian Prayer Bead Pendant Necklace

An imitation shrunken head modelled from leather with applied hair, moustache, eyebrows and eyelashes; pierced through the lips and ears; set in a later glass dome with base. 810 grams total, 20.5 cm including stand



Acquired Mellors & Kirk, circa 2019. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985.

The Victorian ‘freak show’ played a significant role in mid- and late-nineteenth century popular culture, enjoyed by everyone regardless of their class. Such shows, which often travelled the country, were presented to the public as entertaining and educational, offering the opportunity to learn about anatomy and the ‘realities’ of people from foreign lands. The real 'shrunken heads', known as tsantsas, were carefully preserved, severed human heads that were used by the Jivaroan people of the Amazon as war trophies, for ceremonial purposes, or to intimidate enemies.

A display of forty-six livery and military badges and metalled horse trappings, housed in a glazed wall cabinet with opening front. 23.8 kg, 132 x 68 x 14 cm



Ex Morningthorpe Manor, Norfolk, UK.

The parish of Morningthorpe is situated in south Norfolk, east of Long Stratton and west of Hempnall. The parish was certainly well established by the time of the Norman Conquest, its population, land ownership and productive resources being detailed in the Domesday Book of 1086.

Flat-section hoop with hatched shoulders, plaque with raised panel, spread eagle motif lightly incised. 2.93 grams, 21.84 mm overall, 18.09 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.